28 hot terms you need to know while in Kampala!

I believe that one of the most core qualities of human beings is the ability to communicate and language is the vehicle through which communication happens. Speaking the same language fosters relationships. Interesting to note is that within every language, new informal vocabulary develops that is referred to as slang.

Slang changes often to match the changing social, political or economic atmosphere, but some hot terms live on for a looong time.

If you happen to find your self in Kampala, be sure to know these hot terms (slang) right down to your fingertips.

Rolex: Kampala’s most popular street food consisting of a chapati and fried egg

Nsenene: grasshoppers, one of the popular snacks

Banange: there’s no English equivalent for this word. But it’s sort of an exclamation almost similar to ‘oh gosh’ or ‘omg’

Bambi: this has no english equivalent but can be used as ‘oh dear’

Wolokoso: depends on the context it’s being used. It can mean reckless talk or gossip or rumors or uncoordinated ideas.

Mazongoto: originally means a double bed but has also come to mean sex

Bunkenke: to be all tensed up or walking on eggshells

Bonga / Kubonga: a way to greet using your fists

Kiwani: a fake item or fake news

Kichupuli: counterfeit item or money

Muzungu: Caucasian or sometimes used to refer to anyone that speaks with a foreign accent

Kyokka: interjection that is similar to ‘but’

Wa’ma: no English equivalent, can be similar to my dear (used to endear oneself to a third party when in disagreement with a second party)

Mob: a lot

Congs: congrats or congratulations

Kidandali; can mean a certain genre of local music

Boda boda: motor bikes used for transportation, can also be used to mean the bike drivers

Ku stagi: words said when you want the taxi driver to let you off at a bus stop

Paka last: to mean eternity or to the last drop

Amasape: someone who loves to be in the limelight/ showbiz

Kafulu: someone quite skilled in something

Kika: intense

Bagayi: guys

Kablaza: close friend

Yaala: being broke

Beerakko: Airtime credit, to be paid later

Mobile money: cashless money transactions through telecom providers

Charlie: Buddy

A boda-boda in Kampala (Credits: Bwette photography)

NB: This list is nowhere near exhaustive, it would be great to hear from you about those hot terms that didn’t make this list. Please add them to the comments’ box below.